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First real project: Hooked!

As an Ana White newbie I was excited (to say the least!) about my first real project.

It was also my proving ground. My Hubby said that if this went well, I could feel free to build an office desk... pergola... coffers in the dining room... whatever! He was floored and impressed beyond words!

I have included a before picture of our entryway and also a view from our front door, so that you can see how much of a presence this has in a room. I love it absolutely!

I made mine a bit deeper in the seat (about 20") because my husband has size 15 shoes that needed to be hidden. I also added a shelf for more shoes (which was easy and also where I tried out my new Kreg Jig). That tool is pretty darn sweet!

I decided to use hefty planks for the seats as well and reinforced them with a bit beefier legs, as my husband and his family are all nearly 7 feet tall. (just in case - you know!)

Mine is a bit shorter in length than Ana's... but all in all pretty similar. These pictures don't show all the holes filled in yet (as I ran out of putty) but that will be done next week. It looks pretty polished where I have filled them in though - paint is a wonder at hiding things.

My tearful thanks to Ana for making this seem so completely "do-able" for a woman! I was feeling pretty low before building this - but I have to say that working with wood is a REAL confidence booster and it feels so satisfying when you see the finished result. The JIG is a bit intimidating till you get used to it - but then it's so cool! Love it!

I started this on a Sunday night and finished on a Wednesday night.

I will be building again very, very soon!

Built from Plan(s)
Smiling Mudroom
Estimated Cost
280 (bought the small and large Kreg Jig :)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and varnish for the seat. Three coats of clear varnish so that there is some "wipeability". White semi-gloss all over elsewhere (for easy cleanup). I opted for dark wood where the shoes would go to (hopefully) show less dirt!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Joni

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 08:56

Did you seriously make this in your dining room? Now I'm even more impressed. This was your first build? And in 3 days? Holy cow -- the 2-tone finish, the architectural details on the front, customizing the build....GREAT job! Can't wait to see the pergola!

Porshes Place

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 19:28

I did make it in my dining room! My husband was away for 3 days in Boston and I planned on building it in the barn, but it was 15 degrees here in Ohio - so that was out! I worked like a maniac for those 3 days too! I was on a mission. (note: I didn't realize how much dust sanding creates and I have now spent the last 3 days dusting said dining room :( Next time I will cover things!

DecorSanity

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 18:02

I don't think your husband knows what he's given permission to--I see a lot of great builds in your future! Way to go! :-)

Porshes Place

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 19:31

I think he is realizing that now too!! I can't wait for the warmer weather now - I have so many areas I want to get my hands on in the yard! I'm really eyeing that Weatherby Pergola and seating arrangement. :) Thanks for the kudos!